A Country Affair(45)

“No...no, I mean has anything happened to Kate?”

“Not that I’m aware of. Do you know something I don’t?”

“I don’t think so.” This entire conversation was driving her crazy.

Devin Logan cleared his throat, and when he spoke his voice dropped to a deeper pitch. “I’m phoning in an official capacity,” he said. “We voted at the Town Council meeting tonight to employ a full-time librarian.”

He paused again, and, not knowing what else to say, Rorie murmured, “Congratulations. Kate mentioned that the library was currently being run by part-time volunteers.”

“It was decided to offer you the position.”

Rorie nearly dropped the receiver. “I beg your pardon?”

“My daughter managed to convince the Council that we need a full-time librarian for our new building. She also persuaded us that you’re the woman for the job.”

“But...” Hardly able to take in what she was hearing, Rorie slumped against the kitchen wall, glad of its support. Logan’s next remark was even more surprising.

“We’ll match whatever the San Francisco library is paying you and throw in a house in town—rent-free.”

“I...” Rorie’s mind was buzzing. Kate obviously thought she was doing her a favor, when in fact being so close to Clay would be utter torment.

“Miss Campbell?”

“I’m honored,” she said quickly, still reeling with astonishment, “truly honored, but I’m going to have to decline.”

A moment of silence followed. “All right... I’m authorized to enhance the offer by ten percent over the amount you’re currently earning, but that’s our final bid. You’d be making as much money as the fire chief, and he’s not about to let the Council pay a librarian more than he’s bringing home.”

“Mr. Logan, please, the salary isn’t the reason I’m turning down your generous offer. I... I want you to know how much I appreciate your offering me the job. Thank you, and thank Kate on my behalf, but I can’t accept.”

Another, longer silence vibrated across the line, as though he couldn’t believe what she was telling him.

“You’re positive you want to refuse? Miss Campbell, we’re being more than reasonable...more than generous.”

“I realize that. In fact, I’m flattered by your proposal, but I can’t possibly accept this position.”

“Kate had the feeling you’d leap at the job.”

“She was mistaken.”

“I see. Well, then, it was good talking to you. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to meet while you were in Nightingale. Perhaps next time.”

“Perhaps.” Only there wouldn’t be a next time.

Rorie kept her hand on the receiver long after she’d hung up. Her back was pressed against the kitchen wall, her eyes closed.

She’d regained a little of her composure when the doorbell chimed. A glance at the wall clock told her it was Dan, who’d promised to drop by that evening. She straightened, forcing a smile, and slowly walked to the door.

Dan entered with a flourish, handing her a small white bag.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Frozen yogurt. Just the thing for a girl with a hot keyboard. How’s the writing going?” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek.

Rorie walked into the kitchen and set the container in the freezer compartment of her refrigerator. “It’s not. If you don’t mind, I’ll eat this later.”

“Rorie.” Dan caught her by her shoulders and studied her face. “You’re as pale as chalk. What’s wrong?”

“I... I just got off the phone. I was offered another job—as head librarian...”

“But, darling, that’s wonderful!”

“...in Nightingale, Oregon.”

The change in Dan’s expression was almost comical. “And? What did you tell them?”

“I refused.”

He gave a great sigh of relief. His eyes glowed and he hugged her impulsively. “Does this mean what I think it does? Are you finally over that cowpoke, Rorie? Will you finally consent to be my wife?”

Rorie lowered her gaze. “Oh, Dan, don’t you understand? I’ll never get over Clay. Not next week, not next month, not next year.” Her voice was filled with pain, and with conviction. Everyone seemed to assume that, in time, she’d forget about Clay Franklin, but she wouldn’t.

Dan’s smile faded, and he dropped his arms to his sides. “I see.” Leaning against the counter, he sighed pensively and said, “I’d do just about anything in this world for you, Rorie, but I think it’s time we faced a few truths.”

Rorie had wanted to confront them long before now.

“You’re never going to love me the way you do that horseman. We can’t go on like this. It isn’t doing either of us any good to pretend your feelings are going to change.”

He looked so grim and discouraged that she didn’t point out that he was the one who’d been pretending.

“I’m so sorry to hurt you—it’s the last thing I ever wanted to do,” she told him sincerely.

“It isn’t as if I didn’t know,” he admitted. “You’ve been honest with me from the start. I can’t be less than honest with you. That country boy loves you. I knew it the minute he walked across the street without even noticing the traffic. The whole world would know,” he said ruefully. “All he has to do is look at you and everything about him shouts his feelings. He may be engaged to another woman, but it’s you he loves.”